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Meet the Farmed Animals Rescued by Jameson Humane Who Benefit From The Principles of Veganism and Veganuary

By Jeffrey Richard, Jameson Humane Volunteer

Veganuary is an annual global campaign that celebrates the equal dignity and value of all living creatures. Veganuary’s goal is to create a kinder, more compassionate world where animals are not bred for slaughter or for products that damage our environment and our health.  As we said in our blog article last January,[1] Veganuary is a great chance to explore an alternative way of eating, and to experience first-hand how each of us can have a positive impact on the world around us simply by making small changes to how we eat and what we wear, and by fully appreciating and respecting animals as sentient beings. 

Among its many good works, Jameson Humane rescues and nurtures farmed animals who might otherwise end up as fodder for butchers, clothing manufacturers, and leather furniture upholsterers. Presented below are the stories of just a few of those horses, pigs, cows, sheep and chickens saved from cruel-hearted exploitation by those seeking commercial gain.  Veganuary is a good time to get to know them and to appreciate their rightful place in the world as breathing, thinking, and feeling individuals. Through efforts like the Veganuary campaign, we can give these wonderful creatures a chance to live long, peaceful lives in a compassionate world.  

Izzy

Izzy is a 20-year-old Quarterhorse/Paint mix mare.  She and her pal Melly found a home at Jameson Humane after being rescued from a Texas horse auction about 14 months ago.  According to the Humane Society of the United States:

“Hundreds of horse auctions are held each year, in virtually every state. Thousands of horses are auctioned each year, including healthy pleasure horses and ponies, former race horses, draft horses, donkeys, mules, and even wild horses. . . .

While some people looking for inexpensive riding horses and ponies purchase them at auction, the majority of horses sold at auctions attended by HSUS staff were purchased by ‘killer buyers’ who represent or sell to horse slaughterhouses.”

At the time she was rescued, Izzy had been sadly neglected and was in very poor condition – on the brink of death, severely underweight, nervous, and unable to see out of one eye. Although still shy (and blind in one eye), Izzy has been restored to health through the loving efforts of Jameson staff and veterinary care.  She is a sweet, gentle soul who has been saved by the compassion of those who rescued her and by the care of Jameson staff and volunteers.

By the way, horses adapt well to the loss of sight in one eye. In an article for the United States Equestrian Federation, Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh notes that “There are a lot of horses out there living happy lives with only one eye, and they can still do a lot.” https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/your-horse-has-uveitis-heres-what-you-need-to#

Melly

Izzy’s friend Melly is a 19-year old Tennessee Walker mare who was rescued from the same Texas horse auction in November, 2022.

As with Izzy, Melly arrived at Jameson in very fragile shape, weak and barely strong enough to stand up.  Melly loves to talk and enjoys snacking. She and Izzy continue to enjoy each other’s company.

Molly

Molly is a 20-year-old Paint mare who was also rescued from a Texas horse auction a little over a year ago. Jameson staff found that Molly had never been trained to be handled by people or haltered at all. So, she was extremely nervous and frightened by contact with people when she first arrived.  But she has made great progress and has responded well to the loving care of Jameson. She feels confident enough around people she knows to approach them at the gate and welcomes their attention, petting, and (of course) treats! 

One fun fact about horses: anyone who’s had much experience with horses knows that they are able to use their mouths for many purposes, including opening latches and other gate enclosures, making them “flight risks!” The prehensile lips of horses allow them “to pick up very small or fine items with great precision and dexterity and move the items into the oral cavity for processing. The lips are incredibly sensitive and can discriminate with mind-boggling accuracy. Any owner who has tried to medicate their horse through feed knows this. How does that animal manage to sift through the medication and take only the feed?! Blame the prehensile lips.” (From the article by Mary DeLorey, DVM, “Why Dental Care,” https://www.healthymouth.com/Articles.asp?ID=271#:~:text )

Tulip, Poppy, & Petunia

Tulip, Poppy and Petunia, triplets named after beautiful flowers, are lovely inside and out! These three were saved along with their three brothers by an amazing kid in Sonoma. He convinced the rancher to surrender their pregnant mother to a rescue so that the babies would have a fighting chance. The three boys went to Charlie's Acres farm sanctuary in Sonoma and the three girls to Jameson. "Two-Tone" Tulip is sneaky and likes to fit as many apple chunks as possible in her mouth and hide them from her sisters for later. Poppy is sweet and loves to be in the company of humans. Have you ever heard of a lap pig? Well Poppy is your girl! Petunia likes to decorate with sticks and will create a beautiful display for you and the whole block to enjoy. She also has the most beautiful blue eyes you'll ever see! In the heat of summer, they enjoy cooling off in a bit of mud. In the cold of winter, they prefer their matching jackets to stay warm.

Ziggy

Ziggy is a gentle, 7-year-old porcine with a sweet temperament, good heart and huge ears! He’s a nice guy who loves bobbing for apples in his water trough.  Pigs like Ziggy show their affectionate side, according to PigBox.com, in a number of ways: 

“1. Kissing

When a pig presses its snout against you or another pig, it’s a sign of endearment! . . .

“2. Cuddling

Pigs can be HUGE cuddle bugs, especially when they want to show some love. If you keep your pig purely as a house pet, your pig may even begin cuddling with your other pets! . . .

“3. Smiling

It’s true, pigs smile too! They are actually very expressive animals, and their smiles are sure to turn any frown upside down. You’ll typically see a smile when your pig is feeling content or happy. If your pig shares a smile when seeing you, your company is wanted and you are very loved!

“4. Grunting

Though your pig may let out a variety of grunts, the soft ones are what we’re talking about for now. When your pig seems content and lets out calm, soft grunts, know they appreciate you! . . .

“5. Tailing

When you just can’t seem to get some space from your pig, there’s probably a lot of love present. Pigs tend to follow people who they admire the attention of and want to be around. . . .”

(https://www.pigbox.com/5-ways-your-pigs-say-i-love-you/ )

Benny

Five-year old Benny fits right into wine country. He loves, loves, loves grapes! In fact, he greatly prefers any type of fruit over vegetables (he usually leaves his greens behind uneaten). Benny is a well-mannered pig who won't eat his food off the floor.  Instead, he uses a higher level of dining etiquette, preferring to eat his food from the top of a tub or, better yet, a plate. Benny is a shy guy around humans he doesn't know, and is inclined to hide in a nest of his own construction when someone new comes around. But if you bring him some grapes or another favorite treat, he will be eating out of your palm in no time!

Black Beauty and Willy

Inseparable friends, Black Beauty and Willy (both about 6-years old) have indeed found their way into our hearts. Beauty, a dwarf Black Angus, and Willy, a miniature Hereford, were rescued by a kind-hearted woman, Jennifer Romanek – who is now on staff at Jameson as its Volunteer Manager – who saw they were not getting the care they needed.  Once they arrived at Jameson, it didn’t take long for them to become favorites for their big eyes and easy-going nature. They love being at Jameson.  One of their biggest sources of enjoyment is to eat sweet grain from a “bump” feeder. The cows bump the container, which then rains grain down – sometimes onto Willy’s head! Black Beauty supplements her share by licking the stray grain from Willy’s head. This doesn’t seem to bother Willie, but his forehead looks very funny afterward (as you can see in the photo above).

Duke and Delilah

Mother and son Angus/Wagyu cross cows, Delilah and Duke are living their best lives together at Jameson. Duke is 10-years-old and was raised as a bottle baby by his previous family’s children. Delilah, now a 12-year-old, initially rejected Duke when he was a newborn calf. But once they were reintroduced, they became inseparable! The pair were raised on a beef farm and were intended for the slaughterhouse. But the family that owned the farm became enamored of Duke and Delilah. And the family’s love for the pair led them to give up beef farming. In fact, their daughter gave up eating meat entirely! The family gave up the pair to Jameson Humane, because they felt it was in Duke and Delilah’s best interests to seek Jameson’s help in giving the cows a forever home and pasture in which to graze and roam.

Naomi

Naomi is a 2-year-old babydoll sheep who was injured when she was just a few months old and was unable to stand up or walk on her own. After having been rescued by Jameson, Naomi has received the best care possible, including regular physical therapy and acupuncture. Naomi will likely never be able to stand or walk fully on her own, but with regular physical therapy, healing, and muscle strengthening, she has been able to stand and walk with the help of her little cart with wheels. The team at Jameson is dedicated to giving her the best quality of life possible. She loves her adopted flock members, Lizzie, Norman, and Bucky.

Norman

Norman is a 5-year-old sheep who is a favorite of everyone he meets.  He has a big sweet and loving personality.  He craves human interaction, attention, scratching and brushing.  No one loves apples and carrots more than Norman does. As with little Naomi, Norman has bonded with his flock at Jameson (Naomi, Lizzie, Bucky and Norman). 

The Golden Girls Chicken Flock and Rico

 Jameson cares for three senior chickens and a rooster - meet the Golden Girls and Rico! Jameson’s care has benefitted these birds as shown by the fact that they are enjoying longevity far surpassing their breed’s average life expectancy. Chickens are more intelligent than many people think.  They are keenly aware of their surroundings and will eagerly investigate and interact with people. They especially like to listen to sounds and they will answer with their repertoire of chirps and clucks. Chickens can even purr! If you spend some time with them, they’ll tell you their life’s story, or maybe just the latest chicken gossip. They also love all kinds of scents and tastes!

[1] Our January 2023 blog provided information about the global benefits of veganism, as well as resources for enjoyment of vegan cooking.  See, “Join Jameson Humane in Celebrating and Experiencing ‘Veganuary,’ January 17, 2023, https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/news-events/blog/23